World Grieves Together After Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 Shot Down

SYDNEY — The world is grieving after Malaysia Airlines flight 17 was shot down above eastern Ukraine with 298 people on board. The crash has devastated at least 11 nations, with many passengers still yet to be identified.

All on board perished in the fiery crash in rebel-held territory near Torez, Ukraine at approximately 7.11pm local time. It was en route to Kuala Lumpur from Amsterdam.

Malaysia Airlines has lost contact of MH17 from Amsterdam. The last known position was over Ukrainian airspace. More details to follow.

Netherlands

The Dutch have been hit hard, with 173 nationals on the doomed plane that left Amsterdam airport just after midday local time.

Family members are leaving Schiphil airport by special bus in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Image: Robin Utrecht, Getty Images

Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte told grieving relatives he felt broken by the crash. "The dramatic news of this flight is difficult to comprehend, this is possibly one of the worst air disasters in Dutch history. I am shocked and in mourning," he said.

"This beautiful summer day ends in total blackness. There is still a lot that is unclear."

Dutch Minister of Security and Justice Ivo Opstelten speaks during a press conference.

Image: Evert-Jan Daniels, Getty Images

Rutte said in a statement he had spoken to the Ukranian president and was cutting his holiday in Brussels short. He was heading to the national crisis centre at The Hague.

ABC's Europe Correspondent Mary Gearin said many people in the Amsterdam would be having a "long and sleepless night" as they wait for details from the ground.

Former International AIDS Society president Joep Lange from Netherlands, along with Glenn Raymond Thomas, a Geneva-based spokesman for World Health Organization, were two of a number of high-profile passengers who were heading to an international AIDS conference in Melbourne, Australia.

Joep Lang died in the crash.

What a HUGE loss to the world. Just learned that dear friend, amazing father to 5 girls and veteran AIDS researcher Joep Lange was on #MH17

The International AIDS Society released a statement expressing its "sincere sadness" at the loss of their colleagues.

"A number of colleagues and friends en route to attend the 20th International AIDS Conference taking place in Melbourne, Australia, were on board the Malaysian Airlines MH17 flight," it said. "At this incredibly sad and sensitive time, the IAS stands with our international family and sends condolences to the loved ones of those who have been lost to this tragedy."

It has been reported 100 of the 298 people on board were medical researchers, health workers and activists expected to attend the conference.

My thoughts & prayers to families of those tragically lost on flight #MH17. Many passengers were enroute to #AIDS2014 here in #Melbourne.

Australia

The news broke in Australia in the early hours of Friday morning. The government said at least 28 Australians died in the tragedy.

Debris from Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 is shown smouldering in a field .

Prime Minister Tony Abbott told radio station 3AW: "It is an horrific act, and everyone around the world should be filled with revulsion".

Abbott told a press conference it was a "grim, grim time" for the nation and the world. He said there was strong evidence the plane was shot down by "Russian proxies, using Russian-supplied equipment", and if this proved correct, it was an "unspeakable crime".

Locals took to social media to express their sadness and give condolences to all involved.

What a tragic reminder of the fragility of life. Do what makes you happy and spend time with those you love. #MH17#MalaysiaAirlines

United Kingdom

Malaysia Airlines said nine people from the UK lost their life in the tragedy. British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said he did not have exact numbers, but believes "there were British nationals on board the flight".

There were 44 Malaysians on flight MH17 — including 15 crew and two infants.

Image: Rahman Roslan, Getty Images

Malaysia Airlines listed the other nations so far affected by the tragedy as: Indonesia, which lost 12 nationals including an infant; Germany, with four nationals on board; four people from Belgium; three people from the Philippines; one person from Canada, New Zealand and Honk Kong; another 18 people with nationalities are yet to be identified.

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